Environmental Studies

environmental stUdies

Dr. Andrew B. Kirkpatrick, Director McMurran Hall 359D (757) 594-7269 andrew.kirkpatrick@cnu.edu

Mission Statement

Departments from each of the University’s three colleges are committed to providing effective responses to contemporary environmental challenges. This is a complex undertaking precisely because these challenges operate at the intersection of physical, biological and cultural systems. Impactful solutions require an interdisciplinary understanding of phenomena operating across these systems.

Overview

The environmental studies major is designed to integrate diverse perspectives in the liberal arts and sciences curriculum in order to provide the academic breadth necessary for an enhanced and detailed understanding of the environmental issues that are profoundly altering biotic and social systems across the planet. All environmental studies majors will be equipped to critically analyze policy statements and public discourse regarding the environment. In addition, research methodologies and environmental theory will form the basis for student investigations. Students graduating with a major in environmental studies will be well placed for employment in the public or private sectors, or, alternatively, possess an integrated foundation which will serve them well in graduate school. Environmental studies majors will leave Christopher Newport with an expertise that is becoming more crucial to civic engagement as we progress through the current millennium.

Program Objectives

1. To provide an opportunity for students to understand and access the complexity of environmental challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective and to design and implement solutions to these challenges. 2. To provide courses and course-project activities that are oriented toward offering policy options and other potential solutions to decision-makers at the university, community, state, federal and international levels. 3. To offer a program that will document the student’s sustained commitment to the interdisciplinary study of the environment.

Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Environmental Studies Major

Environmental studies majors are required to complete courses across numerous disciplines. In addition to successfully completing the liberal learning curriculum, the following courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher: 1. BIOL 212/212L 2. CHEM 103 OR 121 3. CHEM 103L or 111L or 121L 4. ECON 203* 5. EVST 220 6. MATH 125 7. POLS 371W or ENGL 326W 8. Select six courses (18 credit hours) from the designated list of approved electives, with no more than six credit hours from the same discipline. Special topics and other courses may be approved by the director. 9. IDST 490, including successful completion and presentation of a research project that has been approved in advance by the director. *Students may not receive credit for ECON 203 after receiving a grade of D- or higher in any economics course numbered 301 or higher. Environmental studies majors or minors may substitute ECON 301 with permission of the director.

Minor in Environmental Studies (23 credit hours)

The environmental studies minor is designed to integrate diverse perspectives in the liberal arts and sciences curriculum in order to provide the academic breadth necessary for an understanding of the issues that are profoundly altering biotic systems across the planet.

The minor in environmental studies requires the following courses be completed with a grade of C- or higher: 1. CHEM 103 or 121; 2. CHEM 103L or 111L or 121L; 3. BIOL 115* or 212; 4. BIOL 109L or 212L; 5. EVST 220; 6. Select two (6 credit hours): ENGL 326, ENGL 393,

HIST 342, HIST 343, PHIL 376, RSTD 337 or RSTD 338; 7. Select two (6 credit hours): ANTH 325, ANTH 331, ECON 203**, ECON 301, GEOG 211, LDSP 250, POLS 371W,

POLS 391.

*BIOL 115 is offered as Topics in Ecology course with a focus that is dependent on the instructor each term. Permission from the environmental studies director is required prior to registering for this course.

**Students may not receive credit for ECON 203 after receiving a grade of D- or higher in any economics course numbered 301 or higher. Environmental studies majors or minors may substitute ECON 301 with permission of the director.

the CUrriCUlUm in environmental stUdies

EVST 220. Introduction to Environmental Studies (3-3-0) [Formerly IDST 220, equivalent]

This course offers an introduction to environmental issues and challenges as seen from the perspective of the arts and humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Through study of a variety of topics and problems related to the natural environment and our relationship to it, students gain an interdisciplinary overview of the field that will serve as a foundation for further coursework in the field. Examples of topics may include natural resources, ecology, and sustainability; environmental politics, economics and law; global climate change; and social, literary, and cultural influences on environmental thought.

EVST 395. Special Topics (3-3-0)

Prerequisite: As announced. Topics vary, determined by the special interests and needs of students and the expertise of faculty. A maximum of 12 credit hours in topics courses may be presented for graduation.

EVST 495. Special Topics (3-3-0)

Prerequisite: As announced. Topics vary, determined by the special interests and needs of students and the expertise of faculty. A maximum of 12 credit hours in topics courses may be presented for graduation. The following course descriptions appear in appropriate sections throughout the catalog. No more than six credit hours from any one discipline may be presented for the major.

Electives

ANTH 325 Food and Culture ANTH 331 Environment, Culture and Society CHEM 104/L Introductory Chemistry II and Lab ECON 301 Environmental Economics ENGL 393 Environmental Imaginings EVST 395 Topics in Environmental Studies EVST 495 Topics in Environmental Studies GEOG 211 Geography of Human - Environment Interaction GEOG 308 The Urbanizing World HIST 342 American Environmental History HIST 343 Global Environmental History LDSP 250 Environmental Leadership PHIL 376 Environmental Ethics PHYS 142 Energy: Principles, Problems and Societal Impact POLS 391 International Environmental Politics RSTD 337 Religion and Ecology RSTD 338 Pilgrimage on the Appalachian Trail